Roger D. Rowley has been involved in bowling most of his life, on the lanes in competition, in management with several bowling companies/centers, and especially as a proprietor/entrepreneur where he created a bowling supply company and created several products that are very much on the market today.
A regional PBA/PBA Senior member for over 30 years starting in the mid 1980s, his 25 perfect games and eight 800 series span nine different bowling centers. His personal accomplishments include a high series of 822, a high average of 232, and an NCAUSBCA Top 10 ranking in the 2009-2010 season with a 220.873.
Roger has created products designed to help bowlers resolve common problems during competition. They include “The Grip Strip” that aids in a better grip during the backswing and ultimately became the staple product for his company, Rowl Rite Bowling; “Grime Solver,” an approved “anytime use” ball cleaner by USBC; and “Dry n Slide,” a powder that aids in sliding by absorbing moisture from the bowler’s shoes.
Rowl Rite Bowling sponsored the University of Florida Gators bowling program for two seasons with products and promoting the sport of bowling. Some touring PBA players also use his products.
Roger’s creativity was also seen in the creation of a scratch league using a challenge format—a three-game league where each game is scored differently. The interest in this format parlayed into the creation of additional leagues locally and in other parts of the country, with an emphasis on more challenging lane conditions that our current youth bowlers (tomorrow’s adult bowlers) see more frequently than ever before.
The passion and commitment Roger has for our sport is unparalleled. His creative nature has brought forth products and resources that came directly from his experiences and challenges on the lanes, things that all bowlers face. His creativity generated a renewed interest in scratch bowling that continues to engage and challenge bowlers.
The Hall of Fame recognizes those in our association whose vision and contributions to our sport have made a difference for the industry. The accomplishments of Roger D. Rowley, both on and off the lanes, along with his dedication and passion for our sport, make him a worthy addition to the NCAUSBCA Hall of Fame.
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